DW BUREAU / PATIALA A series of heavy storms hit different parts of Punjab on June 10, 11 and 13 caused huge damage to the power transmission and distribution infrastructure of the state and assessed financial loss around Rs 25 crore to the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL). This was informed by CMD A Venu Prasad here today. A Venu Prasad disclosed that more than 15,000 workers of the PSPCL had so far addressed more than 1.8 lakh power complaints affecting more than 50 lakh consumers across Punjab, mainly from Patiala, Kapurthala, Faridkot, Bathinda, Gurdaspur, Khanna, Ropar, Mohali, Sangrur, and Barnala, due to destruction caused by heavy storms in the last two weeks. He said that the storms resulted in breakdown of around 900 of 11 kV & 66 kV feeders damaging around 20 66 kV towers, more than 13,000 poles, around 2500 transformers and more than 100 km of conductor, besides other associated equipment and accessories. The CMD said that with the continuous 24x7 monitoring, systematic patrolling of feeders and clearing of lines, the PSPCL had been able to restore power supply of majority of the affected area within 72 hours. He said that PSPCL consumers, especially in the rural areas, also came forward to help the PSPCL in all possible ways. Venu Prasad lauded the efforts of the PSPCL officers who had sensibly outlined their priorities for restoring power with the highest priority given to the critical infrastructure, such as hospitals, medical facilities and oxygen manufacturing units. He said that such commitment and dedication during a crisis like this is commendable and great service to the state. He also said that uninterrupted supply was provided to 26 oxygen manufacturing units in the state even during these storms. He thanked the PSPCL workforce who in spite of the agitation calls given by the unions, came together to serve the organization and state during such a challenging time. He further added that the PSPCL knew the importance of electricity in day to day life, disturbance in electricity creates hardships, and the PSPCL greatly appreciated its valuable customers for their patience and support as the PSPCL worked day and night to assess and restore damage caused by this natural calamity. (editor@dailyworld.in)